There are safer options than spraying.
Especially if you have kids, sunscreen sprays seem like a very good idea in theory. You can get squirmy little ones protected from the sun STAT, and they are so simple to apply that even little kids can do it themselves. With a faster and easier application than lotions it’s no wonder that they make up a big portion of the sunscreen market. Except, there’s a problem—spray sunscreens may not be safe.
“We don’t recommend that consumers use these products,” explains Environmental Working Group’s Senior Scientist Dave Andrews. “There are inhalation concerns as you are breathing in these sunscreen ingredients when you apply them, and it’s difficult to get an adequate coating on your skin to even verify that people are applying an adequate amount.” Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas agrees with the concerns: “[These types of sunscreens] are manufactured with phthalates, which is worrisome. They can get into your lungs.”